Sadman Islam set for debut in Dhaka Test

Sports Desk Daily-Bangladesh.com

Published: 17:32, 27 Nov 2018Updated: 17:35, 27 Nov 2018

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Left-handed batsman Sadman Islam is set to make his debut as the Bangladesh selectors announced a 13-member squad for the second Test against Windies, will be held at Mirpur, Dhaka on Tuesday (November 27). There was no place for Imrul Kayes, who was rested because of shoulder pain, while Tamim Iqbal continues to recover from a side strain. Islam will partner Soumya Sarkar as the hosts will look to seal a 2-0 series win after claiming the first Test by 64 runs.

There was just one change as the selectors decided to go in with a winning combination. Islam, who has played 42 first-class games, has 3023 runs at an average of 47.50. Ahead of the first Test, when there was considerable amount of confusion over Tamim's availability, the selectors had added Islam as cover. His innings of 73 against the visitors in the warm-up game helped him make it to the side, coach Steve Rhodes had confirmed ahead of the series. In his last six first-class games for Dhaka Metro, Islam has scored three half-centuries and two 150-plus scores to surge ahead.

"Imrul Kayes is having pain on his shoulder and that is the reason we opted to rest him," said BCB selector Minhajul Abedin. "We are looking forward to see how Sadman responds to international cricket. If he makes it into the XI as he is scoring runs quite consistently in the domestic tournament [Highest scorer in NCL].

"There is no specific update of Tamim injury status so we did not include him. But if he is available we can include him anytime. That is why we had to announce a 13-member squad."

Kayes, after his magnificent form in the limited-overs series against Zimbabwe, has seen a dip in runs. He had three single-digit scores in the two Tests and failed to make an impression in the first Test against Windies as well. However, he scored a crucial 44 in the first Test on a turning track and ensured Bangladesh got off to a good start despite an early loss.

Abedin also quashed questions about selectors not backing the pacers while playing at home. In the first Test, Bangladesh went in with just one pacer in Mustafizur Rahman who bowled just four overs in the game. "I think we need to think where we are playing before claiming that we are not backing pace bowlers. In the last Test all the wickets were taken by the spinners and certainly it indicates they are having a good amount of confidence under their belt," he pointed out.

The second and final Test will be played in Dhaka from November 30 before the two teams play three ODIs and three T20Is.